June 01, 2003
U.S. Military Blog Archives

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Diary of a Sea-Going Sailor
Ever wonder what it's like being assigned to a Navy Ship? My good friend, SGT1 Patrick Long was recently assigned to duty aboard the USS Porter, which is a United States Navy Destroyer.

Patrick's been kind enough to provide us with a blow-by-blow series on reporting aboard. You'll want to read all five parts of this multi-part series! In Part 1, Patrick describes the events of reporting to his new ship. Part 2 speaks of what happens after you first board. In Part 3, Patrick describes "Indoc," required for all sailors reporting aboard. Part 4 covers schedules and ship's routine. In Part 5, Patrick wraps everything up. (Official US Navy Photo)

06:34 AM  #

Special Pay Begins for Some Disabled Retirees
A provision of the Fiscal Year 2003 Military Appropriations Act, which was passed by Congress and signed into law this past December, allows special compensation for some disabled retirees.

The new pay became effective on June 1st, and is payable to 20 year (or more) military retirees who have "combat-related" disabilities, and are rated at least 60 percent disabled (total disabilities) by the Veterans Administration.

11:28 AM  #

Frequently Asked Questions
Got a question about the United States Military, or about Joining the Military? Your question may already have been answered! Check out our collection of the questions we've been asked the most.

10:09 AM  #

Military Pay Charts
So, how much does a military member get paid? Check out our current military pay charts, including charts for active duty pay, housing allowance, food allowance, combat pay, reserve drill pay, and much, much more.

10:10 AM  #

Air Force Considers Replacing the BDU
15 years (or so) ago, the Air Force decided that nobody was taking them seriously as "warriors," so they devised a plan to make airmen look just like soldiers by replacing the old Air Force "fatigue" (work) uniform with Army BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform).

Now, it appears that the Air Force Brass don't want airmen confused with soldiers. The Air Force is considering replacing the BDU with a distinctive Air Force utility uniform.

10:09 AM  #

Army Plans to Restructure Enlisted Job Codes
Here we go again. When I was a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force, I was proud of the fact that I had memorized all of the major Air Force regulation numbers. On almost any topic, I could tell you the exact Air Force regulation that would cover it. Obviously, deciding I was too smart for my own good, the Air Force changed all regulations to "policy directives" and "instructions" and completely renumbered everything.

When I became a First Sergeant, I was proud that I had all of the Air Force AFSCs (job codes) memorized. Two years later, the Air Force restructured every single one of their AFSCs.

Now it appears that the Army is against me, as well. Just about when I've got all of the Army MOS's (job codes) memorized, the Army has announced that it will be renumbering about two-thirds of all their enlisted codes, within the next couple of years.

10:01 AM  #

Military Rank Charts
What's the difference between Army and Air Force rank? What do you call an O-3 in the Navy? Find out by visiting our United States Military Rank Charts

10:18 AM  #

Fiscal Year 2003 Recruiting Goals
One thing about the enlistment process that many people don't understand are military recruiting goals. Congress sets the size of the military, and that determines how many can enlist each year. Then, depending on how many people are forcasted to separate and retire during the year, the services set their recruiting goals to meet (and not exceed) the total number Congress has allowed them to have in uniform.

So far, for FY 2003, the services are doing very well.

06:41 AM  #

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